Bacon-wrapped stuffed dates are a simple 4-ingredient appetizer your guests will love at your next party. Delicious dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon that cooks up so easily on the grill.
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Why you'll love these stuffed dates
These stuffed dates will be a hit at your next party! Also called "Devils on Horseback," these classic hot appetizers date back to the 19th century. They are considered a counterpart to the "Angels on Horseback" appetizer, an oyster or piece of fruit wrapped in bacon.
With so few ingredients, these are easy to pull together at the last minute and throw on the grill or in the oven for a tasty treat or snack.
Ingredients you will need
Here is a quick snapshot of the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. Scroll to the recipe card, where you will find the exact measurements.
Ingredient notes
- All-purpose seasoning - use your favorite all-purpose seasoning. I used Everglades seasoning for mine.
- Dates - use Medjool dates which you can find from the grocery with the pits still intact.
- Bacon - I don't recommend using thick-cut bacon as it will take too long to cook. Any center-cut or regular bacon will work.
- Goat cheese - is delicious with this recipe, but you can substitute it with cream cheese or feta cheese if you wish.
How to make bacon-wrapped stuffed dates
Place the goat cheese in a bowl on the counter to soften for 30 minutes. Once softened, add the all-purpose seasoning to the bowl.
Using the back of a spoon, cream the goat cheese and the seasoning until combined.
Using a sharp knife, cut a slit in the date about halfway through, and then gently pull apart slightly with your fingers to remove the seed/pit.
Using a spoon, fill the date with the goat cheese mixture. Cut a bacon strip in half. Lay the filled date on the bacon slice, and roll until wrapped.
Secure each piece of bacon on the date with a toothpick. Set aside the dates on a plate.
Prepare a gas or charcoal grill to 400 degrees. Once preheated, cook the dates over indirect heat for 30 minutes or until the bacon is done to your satisfaction.
Expert tips
These stuffed dates can be made up to two days in advance. Simply assemble them and store them in an airtight container.
If you would like to bake these in the oven, you can do that as well. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 400-degree oven.
FAQs
Yes, stuffed dates wrapped in bacon are a great low-carb snack. Just be careful what extra things you put in the fillings.
A tangy cheese like goat cheese, feta cheese, or even blue cheese pairs really well with dates.
Serving suggestions
Serve these decadent bacon-wrapped stuffed dates with a holiday meal at Thanksgiving with smoked turkey breast or serve alongside some pulled pork.
Storage & Reheating
Store for up to one week in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave.
To freeze, assemble, and store in a container in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator and then cook as directed.
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Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Dates
Ingredients
- 20 Medjool dates
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 2 teaspoons pork rub
- 10 slices bacon cut in half
Instructions
- Make a slit with a sharp knife down the side of each date, and remove the seed.
- In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese and pork rub. Mix together until thoroughly combined.
- With a teaspoon, fill each half of every date with goat cheese. Pinch the sides together slightly to close.
- You could also use an icing bag or freezer bag with the corner cut to pipe the cheese into each date.
- Cut the bacon pieces in half.
- Wrap each stuffed date with one half a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Preheat the grill to 400-degrees. Add a wood box with pecan or applewood chips for additional flavor.
- Grill for 30 minutes or until the bacon has cooked to your satisfaction.
- These appetizers are best served immediately.
To bake in the oven
- If you would like to bake these in the oven, arrange the stuffed dates onto a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is done.
Notes
Nutrition
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